Return planning

Temple has convened a Return Team, which is made up of representatives from every area of our campus. This group is meeting daily to build out scenarios and plan for what campus life could look like over the next several months. Each member of this team is working tirelessly to determine ways to maximize safety while maintaining the same quality of education and college experience that you expect.

As part of the return planning process, the university is surveying students about their perspectives and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A link to the survey will be sent to your Temple email address. Results of the survey, in addition to government mandates and public health guidelines, will be used in the Return Team's planning. Once you receive the survey, please take a moment to share your thoughts. The more input we have from students, the better we can support you.

Fall 2020 scenarios

Scenarios under consideration explore a range of possibilities, from a slightly modified traditional semester, to a blend of smaller classes, continued online teaching and gatherings that are limited in size, or anticipate greater use of online options. Details of the four scenarios follow.

Reasonably normal, which will allow for in-person learning and on-campus residence, but require students, faculty and staff to wear face coverings. Mass gatherings will not be allowed and large lecture-style classes will be reduced. Recreational facilities will be available with extra cleaning. NCAA activities will resume.

Restricted semester, which allows for some in-person learning but limits gatherings to 25 to 50 people. Restrictions will be placed on housing and sports and recreation. Campus dining will provide take-out meals only. NCAA activities will resume with restrictions.

Essentials only, which allows for heavily restricted in-person instruction and housing. Gatherings will be limited to fewer than 25 people. No sports and recreation will be allowed. Campus dining will provide take-out meals only. NCAA activities will remain suspended.

Comprehensive remote, which minimizes in-person learning by restricting gatherings to 10 or fewer people. Essential employees will return or remain on campus. Research operations will be prioritized. Student, faculty and staff support measures will be enhanced for remote learning and working environments.

We’re carefully monitoring and responding to new information about COVID-19 and its impacts. In developing the four return scenarios, our plans must be flexible and include contingencies for changing conditions over time. We are prepared to deviate from outlined plans in order to take swift actions to keep our community safe, which is always our top priority.

We will continue to follow the guidelines and restrictions put in place through local, state, and federal governments, as well as guidance issued by public health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And, we’ll continue to provide updates as frequently as possible, so please check your Temple email often and follow Temple’s social media accounts for the most up-to-date information.

Emphasis on public health

Any successful return to campus scenario depends on a commitment to the four pillars of public health by the entire Temple community. It will take each of us doing our part to keep our campuses safe by adhering to the behaviors outlined below, which are essential until a vaccine is available.

Considerations for Temple’s campuses

On May 19, 2020, the CDC issued Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education to use to protect students and employees and slow the spread of COVID-19. The considerations include guidance and perceived risk for different approaches to classroom learning and on-campus housing, as well as how to best maintain healthy environments and operations.

Classroom learning

Lowest risk: Faculty and students engage in virtual-only learning options, activities and events.

CARES Act Emergency Grants

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with overwhelming, bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provides stimulus and financial support to many sectors of the economy, including higher education. A portion of the funding package earmarked for colleges and universities is explicitly directed to provide emergency grants to students who were impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 health emergency.

Current degree-seeking students who were enrolled in on-campus classes during the spring 2020 semester (as of March 13, 2020) and are eligible to receive federal financial aid are eligible to request CARES Act funds. Students who meet these criteria must also confirm that they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations.

If you have not filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and feel you are eligible for federal financial aid, you still have time to complete the FAFSA: studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Once you complete the FAFSA, continue to review your financial aid requirements in the Costs and Aid tab of your TUportal because you might have student eligibility requirements to complete before you can request CARES Act funding.

In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, international and undocumented students are not eligible to receive CARES Act grants. Please also note that any students who were enrolled in online-only programs prior to the suspension of in-person teaching are not eligible for CARES Act grants.

While we understand that each and every student has experienced an upheaval of their day-to-day life as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure that students with the most need are prioritized for these emergency funds. For this reason, students who received Federal Pell Grants for the spring 2020 semester are being automatically awarded CARES Act grants.

As required by the legislation, CARES Act funds may be used only to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (this includes expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and child-care expenses).

Expenses you incurred as a result of the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 health emergency, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and child care. Here are some examples:

You lived on campus or used a meal plan, and now you are experiencing housing or food insecurity.

You routinely used the computer labs to do your schoolwork, but now need a computer to continue your education remotely.

You needed to purchase Internet access for your home (including a “hotspot” or other equipment).

You received health services through Student Health Services and now need to seek treatment elsewhere that is not covered by your insurance.

The childcare center your dependent attended closed and you’ve had to hire alternative care so that you can continue your coursework.

You incurred transportation expenses returning home or storing your personal belongings because you could not return to campus to retrieve them.

You incurred nonrefundable expenses related to study abroad travel that was either canceled or shortened unexpectedly.

Awards will be determined on a case-by-case basis and relative to available funding at the time of the request. Depending on the number of requests received, the expected minimum grant will be $400. Students will be notified of the exact amount in their TUportal student account (TUpay).

Requests for CARES Act grants will be reviewed following the May 15, 2020 deadline. Once your request is reviewed and approved, you will see the grant disburse through your student account and processed as a refund. If you are already signed up for direct deposit, the funds will be deposited in your account within three to four days. If you are not registered for direct deposit through TUpay, you will receive a paper check in the mail to your permanent address on file with the university. Student Financial Services encourages all students who are eligible for CARES Act funding to sign up for direct deposit in order to receive the funds as quickly as possible.

Under the CARES Act, institutions must identify students who have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible students will be notified to complete the form in TUportal.

The amount of each grant will be determined on a case-by-case basis of need and the extent the loss of services impacted the student’s continued pursuit of their education. The minimum grant will vary depending on the number of requests received by is expected to be about $400.

CARES Act grants will be available on a first-come basis and so long as funds are available. Our intention is to assist as many students as possible while being sensitive to need, in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance.

Without the FAFSA on file, we have no way of knowing if you are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs. The criteria for eligibility include but are not limited to: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting. Additionally, the student must not be in default or in a loan overpayment and must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP), or on an approved SAP appeal/plan.

If you do not have a FAFSA on file, we recommend you file the FAFSA now. We will review your financial aid file during the processing of the CARES Act grant request and may request additional documentation so that we can assist you to establish your eligibility.

No. The grant will be paid directly to you. It will disburse to your student account as a cash grant without regard to the balance owed. You will then receive a direct payment in that amount, either by direct deposit or paper check. Under Department of Education guidance, the university may not apply the grant to your balance owed, even with your permission and request to do so.

Temple is supporting students in need of financial aid relief in numerous ways. All students, regardless of CARES Act grant eligibility, are able to apply for emergency assistance, and may do so through the programs listed below.

Please note that the Cherry Pantry continues to be open and operational at its temporary location in the Temple University Police Morgan Hall Substation at 1601 N. Park Ave., located on the side of Morgan Hall South.

I am a student who received an emergency financial aid grant under section 3504, 18004 or 18008 of the CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is this grant includible in my gross income?

No. Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code. This grant is not includible in your gross income.

I received an emergency financial aid grant under the CARES Act and used some of it to pay for course materials that are now required for online learning because my college or university campus is closed. Can I claim a tuition and fees deduction for the cost of these materials, or treat the cost of these materials as a qualifying education expense for purposes of claiming the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit?

No. Because the emergency financial aid grant is not includible in your gross income, you cannot claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Spring 2020 Credit/No Credit Option FAQ

Temple is giving students the option, from April 6 through April 27 for U.S. campuses, to select credit/no credit (for undergraduates) or pass/fail (for graduate students) as the grade mode for a course versus the standard letter grading mode. This will be an option, on a course-by-course basis, for the spring 2020 semester only.

No. Temple is providing you with a choice. You can opt to change the grade mode from a standard letter grade to the credit/no credit (pass/fail) grade mode for none, some or all of your courses. Please consider carefully whether this is a good option for you. Review this FAQ and any communication from your program before making your decision. For many students, receiving letter grades may be the best option.

If you wish to change the grade mode for a spring 2020 course, you must do so no later than 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 27, the last day of classes for students in the U.S. If you already selected a grade mode and wish to change your selection, you may do so until 5 p.m. on April 27.

Please note that the April 27 deadline applies only to U.S. campuses. The deadline for Temple University Japan courses is April 15, and the deadline for Temple Rome courses is April 23. Rome and Japan students will receive additional information via email.

If you choose to receive a pass/fail grade, the instructor will submit one of the following grades for you for that course.

P = C- or above

F = D+, D, D-, or F

An F does count in the GPA and in hours attempted, and is considered a substandard grade; P does not count in the GPA, but does count in hours attempted, completed and passed. In addition, a P is considered a satisfactory grade and is not considered a grade below B-, nor a substandard grade per the graduate school policy 02.24.22.01.

If you are repeating a course, we do not recommend you change to a credit/no credit grade or a pass/fail grade without first consulting your academic advisor. Before speaking with your advisor, consider talking with your faculty member about your performance in the course.

For the spring 2020 semester only, students will be able to satisfy any program requirement with a minimum grade of C or C- with a CR. You will be able to see your academic progress in your degree audit report (DARS).

For courses with a prerequisite requirement of having completed a prior course with a C- or higher, a CR will satisfy the prerequisite, but a CD or NC will not satisfy the prerequisite. If the prerequisite requirement is a C or better, you will need to see your advisor for an override to register for the next course. If you know you are currently enrolled in a course that is a prerequisite for a future course, you may want to consider keeping the standard letter grade.

From April 6 at 7 a.m. EDT through April 27 at 5 p.m. EDT, you can log in to TUportal to change your grade mode for any of your spring 2020 courses that were taken at U.S. campuses. Under the COVID-19 tab, navigate to the “Quick Links” section on the right, and select “Grade Mode Change.”

Please contact your academic advisor to discuss if there are courses for which changing the grade mode is advisable for you. From April 6 at 7 a.m. EDT through April 27 at 5 p.m. EDT, you can login to TUportal to change your grade mode for a course or courses taken at U.S. campuses. Under the COVID-19 tab, navigate to the “Quick Links” on the right and select “Grade Mode Change.”

This is something to consider carefully when deciding your preferred grade mode for your spring semester courses. Nationally, many institutions are providing undergraduates with pass/fail grading options, but how such grades will be reviewed by graduate and professional programs in the future is not fully known at this time. You should check the website of graduate or professional schools to which you are applying to see if they have posted any updates or guidance about admission requirements.

This is a risk as well. If your program or future profession has a GPA requirement that you must maintain, consider the impact that selecting CR/CD/NC as a grade mode will have on your GPA (for example, you will not have a chance to improve your GPA with CR/CD/NC). Check your email, as your school, college or program may write to you with additional program-specific guidance.

Students have faced highly unusual circumstances as a result of COVID-19, and each student’s experience is unique. If you choose this option, there is no judgement on the part of the university, your department or your faculty.

All students are expected to earn university credit for at least 67% of the classes in which they enroll. Student Financial Services will measure your financial aid satisfactory academic progress by taking your cumulative earned credits divided by your cumulative attempted credits to determine your earned percentage.

Attempted Credits = any course for which you are registered after the add/drop period, including courses with W, WE, WS, WF, F, PI, AU, MG and NC grades.

Earned Credit = all transferred credits, advanced standing and advanced placement credits, and all courses for which grades of P, CD, CR, D-, or better have been earned.

Courses that are repeated to improve a grade are counted in attempted hours, but only one passing grade is counted toward the earned credit total.

Grades of CR, CD, P, or F will not impact your benefits. However, a grade of NC is considered a “non-punitive grade,” which is a grade that does not count as earned credit and is not calculated into your GPA. Because non-punitive grades do not count toward your degree, you may be required to repay any GI Bill money you received for such classes.

Yes. Typically, when a student opts to take a course for credit or no credit, they do so for an elective or a course not required for the major. For courses in your major or courses that are pre-requisites for other courses, consider receiving a letter grade.

Students should contact the institution to which they are considering transferring and ask about their policies for awarding transfer credits for courses in which they received credit/no credit or pass/fail grades. Your Temple transcript will indicate what the credit/no credit or pass/fail grades are equivalent to.

Yes. You may contact your instructor to request an incomplete. An incomplete requires a contract outlining the work to be completed and the timeline for completion of the course. It is important to note, however, that if you do receive the incomplete you will be required to receive a standard mode letter grade when the work is completed, or when the contract expires. If you have contacted your instructor and are pursuing an incomplete, select the standard grade mode option prior to April 15 for Temple Japan courses, April 23 for Temple Rome courses, or April 27 for all U.S. campus courses.